Global Development and Peace

The College of Public and International Affairs Master of Arts in Global Development is designed to prepare future civil servants and business professionals for careers in global development, conflict transformation, and other human security-related fields. Students can focus on one of four areas of study:

1. Political Economy and Development

2. Culture and Conflict Resolution for students interested in a career in government or a non-governmental organization.

3. Global Management for students with an interest in international business.

4. Global Communications for students interested in a career as a spokesperson for an international organization or a career in public diplomacy.

Students will be expected to have or to develop a working knowledge of one foreign language.

Students will spend a minimum of two months in an overseas internship. The program can be completed in five semesters including a summer semester for completion of the internship. For more info please see the Master’s Program fact sheet (PDF) and the Program brochure.

*The University of Bridgeport holds NGO status with the United Nations Department of Public Information and is also part of the United Nations Academic Impact Initiative.

Learning Outcomes

The Master of Arts in Global Development & Peace has the following learning outcomes:

• Students will be able to explain and compare the major extant models for socioeconomic development
• Students will demonstrate that they have acquired the the quantitative and qualitative research skills needed to undertake effective planning, analysis and implementation of projects related to socioeconomic development or conflict resolution.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the institutional prerequisites for good governance in developing countries
• Students will demonstrate an appreciation of the impact that religion and culture can have on socioeconomic development
• Students will demonstrate the basic skills needed for effective communication and negotiation.
• Students will demonstrate skills needed in problem solving and in project management through an overseas internship
• Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of a second language in addition to English.

* Note for all academic programs in the College of Public and International Affairs, a portfolio is collected to track progress in programmatic outcomes

Sample Semester Breakdown of Course of Study for the Global Management Track
Semester I

• Issues in Economic Development 3
• International Conflict and Negotiation 3
• Sociopolitical Implications of the World Religions 3
• Leadership, Teams and Managing Change* 3

Semester II

• Research Methods and International Development 3
• International Issues* 3
• Political and Economic Integration 3
• Culture and International Development 3

Semester III

• Internship (overseas or domestic students) 3

Semester IV

• Global Market Management* 3
• Tutorial 3
• Thesis 3

A bachelor’s degree , or its equivalent , from an accredited university or recognized international institution Recommended cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 or higher Two years of college lan guage study or the equivalent ( must be completed by the end of the program) Ability to travel internationally to complete an overseas internship